Replacement for RHU rolled out

As the drive for accreditation ramps up, advisors wanting to add more letters to their business cards now have another option.

The Institute for Advanced Financial Education will offer the Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS) designation starting September 1, 2011. This new designation is meant for advisors looking to specialize in the field of living benefits, and will eventually replace the RHU designation.

“This year marks the leading edge of baby boomers turning 65,” says Greg Pollock, The Institute’s chief operating officer. “As more boomers are poised to live longer in their retirement than preceding generations, there will be an increasing need for advisors who have specialized knowledge of living benefits.”

In the last few years, The Institute has revised RHU courses to be more relevant to living benefits specialists. These courses now form the core CHS curriculum. Designation holders will be required to obtain 10 hours of CE credits and make a written commitment to the Code of Professional Conduct.

Until October 26, 2011, current RHU designation holders can upgrade their designation to the CHS. All current RHU designation holders will be contacted with details.

This announcement comes on the heels of yesterday’s formation of the Coalition for Professional Standards for Financial Planners, which has a mandate of establishing a common set of national standards for Canadian financial planners.

For more information about the CHS designation, please visit www.iafe.ca.

Melissa Shin

Melissa is the editorial director of Advisor.ca and leads Newcom Media Inc.’s group of financial publications. She has been with the team since 2011 and been recognized by PMAC and CFA Society Toronto for her reporting. Reach her at mshin@newcom.ca. You may also call or text 416-847-8038 to provide a confidential tip.